The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) ended the use of French in all of its official communications. This directive, published on May 7 by the General Secretariat of the FAF, requires the exclusive use of Arabic in correspondence, reports and minutes. The complete entry into force of this measure is set at the 2025-2026 sports season.
The decision obliges all the structures affiliated with the Federation to modify their administrative practices. The minutes of the disciplinary commissions, the designations of arbitrators, the reports of the appeal commission as well as any correspondence with the internal partners and bodies must now be written in Arabic. The official text specifies that this transition must be initiated immediately in order to respect the fixed calendar.
Disengagement of the French language
This measure is not an isolated case. It is part of a policy of linguistic redefinition carried out by the Algerian authorities for several years. In parallel, the State has decided to generalize the teaching of English in universities, especially in medicine, from the university year 2024-2025. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune validated this strategic change, aimed at gradually replacing French in scientific courses.
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The withdrawal of the French from public institutions is accelerating. Air Algeria had already started this dynamic by reducing the use of French in its signage and customer services. The education sector has also seen a revision of teaching programs and languages. The French language, although present in civil society and the media, is gradually dismissed from official structures.
Diplomatic and historical factor
This linguistic refocusing intervenes in a bilateral context tense between Algeria and France. Disputes linked to the colonial period and the still sensitive memories influence institutional choices. Several measures adopted since 2019 are in the direction of a symbolic reduction and practice of French influence.
In the field of sport, linguistic standardization directly impacts governance processes and the relationship with continental confederations and technical partners. If CAF and FIFA accept several official languages, including French, the internal transition to Arabic will impose a revision of communication, drafting and coordination methods. The FAF will also have to adapt its digital tools, databases and models of relation to this new standard.
